The team total was WMU's second
highest of the year. With the win, WMU improved to 6-5 on the season and
3-2 in the MAC.

The Broncos led in the first and second rotations, but NIU pulled in
front briefly after the third, 146.425 to 145.800. WMU closed out strong
on floor exercise, scoring a 49.025, while the Huskies tallied a 47.200
on balance beam.

Western Michigan started off the meet on vault, and recorded the
second highest team total in program history with a 49.050. The record
was set last year under Kuzara at home against Ball State with a 49.175.

WMU had the top individual finisher in three of four events. Junior Lauren Bledsoe
placed first on both vault (9.900) and floor (9.850). Her 9.900 on
vault was a career-high and tied the second best score in school
history.

Senior Caroline O'Brien
also tied the second best score on the uneven bars, placing first with a
career-high 9.900. It was O'Brien's second time this year registering a
9.900.

Freshman Kayla Weber
won the all-around with a 39.175, which was good enough to tie for the
third-highest total in school history. It was her second best all-around
score of the year, second only to her school record-setting 39.300
against Eastern Michigan.

Weber finished runner-up on bars (9.825) and beam (9.775). She, O'Brien and senior Brittany Adams tied for second on floor, each with a 9.800. Freshman Jessi Buis was runner-up on vault (9.850).

As part of Autism Awareness Day, WMU also held a special needs
gymnastics demonstration prior to the meet with Larry Nassar. The
Broncos raised over $1,500 towards the cause through a silent auction.

Western Michigan heads to Bowling Green next Saturday, March 16,
for its final regular season meet. The Broncos then host the 2013 MAC
Championships, Saturday, March 23. It will be WMU's first time hosting
since 2006, which is also the last team championship for Western
Michigan. The championship meet rotates year-to-year between the seven
conference schools that carry gymnastics.